CAG audit uncovers financial irregularities in Uttarakhand’s forest and health departments

Key takeaways

• Misuse of forest conservation funds for personal and office items.
• Rs.607 crore was spent without government approval.
• Violations in forest land transfer and compensatory afforestation.
• Distribution of expired medicines in government hospitals.
• Shortage of specialist doctors in hilly and plain regions.

Misuse of public funds by forest and health departments

A central audit has uncovered significant financial irregularities in Uttarakhand. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, in its report for the financial year 2021-22, revealed that the forest and health departments, along with the Workers Welfare Board, misused public funds without proper planning or authorization.

The report, presented during the Budget Session of the Uttarakhand Assembly, highlighted that the Workers Welfare Board spent Rs.607 crore between 2017 and 2021 without government approval. Additionally, Rs.14 crore from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) was diverted for unauthorized expenses, including iPhones, laptops, refrigerators, and coolers, as well as building renovations and legal fees.

Violation of forest land transfer rules

CAMPA, responsible for managing funds collected from forest land diverted for non-forest uses, mandates that compensatory afforestation should occur within one or two growing seasons of receiving funds. However, the CAG report found delays of over eight years in 37 cases. Moreover, the selection of land under the CAMPA scheme was deemed inappropriate.

Forest land transfer rules were also ignored. Although the central government had given in-principle approval for non-forestry projects like roads, power lines, water supply lines, and railways, permission from the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) was required. Despite this, work commenced without DFO approval in 52 instances between 2014 and 2022.

Low survival rate of planted trees

The CAG report flagged the low survival rate of trees planted through compensatory afforestation. Between 2017 and 2022, the survival rate was only 33%, falling short of the 60-65% benchmark set by the Forest Research Institute.

Distribution of expired medicines in government hospitals

The audit also revealed lapses in the health sector, with expired medicines found in government hospitals. At least three hospitals had stocks of 34 expired medicines, some of which had expired over two years ago.

Shortage of specialist doctors in Uttarakhand

The report highlighted a critical shortage of specialist doctors in Uttarakhand. Approximately 70% of specialist positions in hilly areas and 50% in plain regions remain vacant. Furthermore, 250 doctors were found to have violated lockdown regulations but continued to work. The CAG recommended establishing new rules to address this shortage.

Political reactions and next steps

The Congress party has criticized the government for misusing public funds, citing the CAG report as evidence. In response, Uttarakhand Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal announced an investigation into the allegations related to his department.

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A CAG audit has exposed financial irregularities in Uttarakhand, revealing misuse of forest conservation funds, violations in forest land transfers, expired medicines in hospitals, and a shortage of specialist doctors.

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